More Hip Than Hippie #298 - Citizen Scientists

Scientific research is moving out of the laboratory and into the hands of Citizen Scientists.

Are you a stargazer? Birdwatcher? Ham radio operator? You have the makings of a citizen scientist. The Hipsters investigate the galaxy of opportunites out there for curious minds to contribute to scientific research. Also, Dori deals with 20/50 vision while Val deals with having a hot husband.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: It's beer...it's coffee...it's Cappuccino Stout! Our friends at Lagunitas Brewing Co. continue to impress with this yummy seasonal brew. Dori: 5 hips; Val: 5 hips

Chocolate: Our new Favorite Listener is Donna in England! She sent us make-up chocolate from across the pond, and it was well worth the postage. Montezuma's Very Dark 73% bar scores well in flavor, consistency and mouth-feel. It also pairs perfectly with a hearty beer. Dori: 5 hips; Val: 5 hips.

Hip News and Finds

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! An insulated, unlined stainless steel water bottle that fits in a cupholder? That's S'well! This stylish bottle is full of good karma, too; 10% of all proceeds are donated to WaterAid.
• The Un-cola. There's more than one way to make soda without the carbonation. Whip up a batch of Urban Homestead Soda! Thanks to Listener Carri for posting this on our Facebook page.
• Will it "Sting"? Scientists have named a new species of Rocky Mountain beetle after actor/environmentalist/dreamboat Robert Redford.
• Sacrebleu! Our Zero Waste amie Bea Johnson is featured in People magazine. But, will she buy a copy?

Hip News

• Grand gesture. Calling it a "national treasure that must be protected", the Obama administration finalized a ban on new mining near the Grand Canyon.
• Hickory Dickory Doom. The Doomsday Clock has moved one minute closer to midnight. The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists made the move in response to failed leadership, climate change and Japan's nuclear disaster last year.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

Save the Kales! If you have veggies in the fridge that are a bit past their peak, don't toss them out! Val shares her recipe for Veggie Drawer Soup:

Ingredients:

• 5 Tbsp butter (I replace with about 2Tbsp EVOO - adjust as needed)
• 1 lb chopped veggies
• 6 cups chicken or veggie stock
• 24 oz diced potatoes (roughly 4 medium potatoes)
• 3/4 cup cream ( I just use 2% milk - for Paleo, coconut milk works great)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Melt butter, add chopped veggies and simmer to soften but not brown.
• Add stock and potatoes, bring to boil, cook for 20 minutes.
• Puree the soup with an immersion blender or food mill.
• Stir in cream and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Val loves pairing this with grilled cheese on crusty bread.

Citizen Scientists

Scientific research is moving out of the laboratory and into the hands of Citizen Scientists. From astronomy to zoology, there's a project for everyone. You don't need training or a college degree, you just need a healthy dose of curiosity and a desire to help provide answers we can all use!

• Some of the oldest (and coolest) Citizen Science projects are the Christmas Bird Count and SETI@home.
• Where do you begin? Look for a variety of fun projects at places like SciStarter, Scientific American, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and NASA.
• Perform projects on the go! SciSpy and WildLab use mobile technology.
• Tombstones? Frogs? Roadkill? Find an unusual project to suit your tastes.
• DIY projects from MAKE magazine inspired the Maker movement, which is a form of citizen science. Check out a Maker Faire near you!
• For more info, visit the Citizen Scientists League or the Citizen Science Alliance.

Listener E-mails

Our inbox runneth over! Thanks for all the great emails. Send your questions, comments, tips, brainstorms and epiphanies to hip@greenfeet.com. We love to hear from you!

• Mike in Oakland, CA would like to counter arguments that wind power is too expensive. Here's what the EWEA has to say.
• Kristy in Texas has cookware questions. Among other things, we recommend USA Pans, made with recycled steel and aluminum.
• Patrick in North Carolina also has cookware questions. For you, sir, the ManPan.
• Christine in Arizona also has cookware questions. Orgreenic, anyone?
• Amy in San Diego, CA is getting rid of plastic in her kitchen. Read about her progress on her blog, Seven Grey Sweaters.
• Dolores in Cleveland, OH is collecting karma points with her personal mitvah. You'll love Linda Cohen's book, 1,000 Mitzvahs.
• Allison in Kansasgets to travel to Japan! Pack multi-purpose items, reusuables, and quick-drying clothes. Leave some space for souvenirs (and chocolate for your fave podcast hosts).
• Wendy in Tampa, Florida needs to start a farmer's market!
• Allison in Mississippi thinks we'll dig b. organic, a TV show on PBS. We think you're right.
• James in Erie, PA appreciates the 'pay it forward' posts on Facebook. Basically, you offer something handmade to the first 5 people who "Like" your post...but they have to repost and do the same.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Chinese New Year or any day!

Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow Val on Twitter: GrnDiva, at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook!

Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes!

More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com. Check out our blog!

More Hip Than Hippie #297 - 7 Green Days

No matter where you are on the path toward a lighter footprint, you can gain some inspiration from taking the 7 Day Green Challenge.

Happy New Year! Are you willing to set aside a week to pursue the challenge of a greener life? The Hipsters forego the usual resolutions to bring you a different sort of green inspiration, courtesy of The Environmental Blog. Also, Val climbs the geek ladder while Dori's family prepares for the zombie apocalypse.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Fresh off the beer truck, Ruthless Rye IPA is the latest seasonal offering from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. We're fans of the bold hop flavors and the smooth finish. Dori: 5 hips; Val: 5 hips

Chocolate: Kelly in Washington continues her reign as our Favorite Listener! We tried another Seattle Chocolates fave, the Coconut Macaroon Truffle Bar. The soft, lovely chocolate with minced coconut and sea salt combines for a nice flavor. Dori: 5 hips; Val: 4 hips.

Hip News and Finds

Finds:

• 'Temp'-tation. Home heating is now sexy! The Nest Learning Thermostat is a user-friendly device designed by the guys behind the iPod. We can't wait to see what they do with the water heater.
• Hip Lit. Rediscover Fix, Freeze, Feast, a fab book by clever Hipster Kati Neville. She'll teach you how to save money while eating real food.
• Chew the moose. Give your pup a piece of Bullwinkle. Moose antler dog chews are delicious, nutritious, and don't splinter.

Hip News

• Hornswoggled. In South Africa, rhino poachingis at an all-time high as the price of rhino horns outpaces gold. Note to Asia: ingesting the horns WILL NOT cure cancer.
• Sock it to me! The US Forest Service needs your socks. They'll fill 'em full of bait so they can photograph the elusive Pacific fisher. Send lonely unused socks to: Sierra Nevada Adaptive Management Project, 40799 Elliott Drive, Oakhurst, CA 93644.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

What's Your Word? Whether or not you're creating a vision board for the new year, come up with a word that will define your goals. Try to choose an action word and display it where you'll see it every day. It really works!

7 Green Days

With a new year comes a chance to renew your committment to living a greener life. No matter where you are on the path toward a lighter footprint, you can gain some inspiration from taking the 7 Day Green Challenge. Enjoy!

• Day 1: Crafty Day.  Repurpose old items into something new with DIY craft projects. Collect bits & pieces in a craft drawer for future adventures.
• Day 2: Delectable Day.  Freshen up your diet with something new, like an unusual fruit or veggie from the farmer's market. Ask the farmer or grocer how to prepare it or just find a recipe online. Just make sure it's real food, not processed.
• Day 3: Contribution Day.  Put something you have into circulation. Give money to a good cause, donate clothes to charity, bring some groceries to a food bank. Even something small can make a big difference.
• Day 4: Stone Age Day.  Are you ready to unplug your appliances, put away your car keys and abandon the internet for 24 hours? This challenge is about reducing your carbon footprint to nearly zero, just for a little while. Good luck.
• Day 5: Petition Day.  Make sure your voice is heard. Find petitions online at Green America, Care2, Credo and more.
• Day 6: Hippie Day.  Before you can hug a tree, you need to plant one! Find your town at the Alliance for Community Trees or donate a tree through Plant a Billion Trees.
• Day 7: Advocacy Day.  Spread the word to family and friends. Be sure to keep the message positive. Share your favorite tips...and your favorite podcast! (hint hint)

Listener E-mails

Hello? Is this thing on? We need emails! Send your questions, comments, tips, brainstorms and epiphanies to hip@greenfeet.com. Don't make us sing again!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Amelia Earhart Day or any day!

Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow Val on Twitter: GrnDiva, at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook!

Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes!

More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com. Check out our blog!

More Hip Than Hippie #296 - Transition Towns

The Transition movement represents one of the most promising ways of engaging people and communities to take the far-reaching actions that are required to mitigate the effects of peak oil, climate change and the economic crisis.

Do you live in a Transition Town? Would you like to? Dori & Val chat with Carolyne Stayton of Transition US to learn why transition is necessary, and fun! Also, the Hipsters rewrite Auld Lang Syne and contemplate Canadian porn.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Our new Favorite Listener is Blythe in Sonoma County, CA! She kicked down a big-ass bottle of Gold Digger IPA from NorCal's Auburn Alehouse. The robust hop flavor is enough to start another gold rush! Dori: 5 hips; Val: 5 hips

Chocolate: Blythe also sent along a box of assorted artisan oddities from Sonoma Chocolatiers. We've never experienced goat cheese or garlic in chocolate before. We may never again. But we're Hall of Faming the adventure! (Tip: pair these with red wine, not beer.) Dori: 6 hips; Val: 6 hips.

Hip News and Finds

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Klean Kanteen presents their fabulous new Stainless Steel Pint Glass, and Greenfeet offers a 4-pack to get the party started. They're perfect outdoors; unlike a Red Solo Cup, you can use them again and again. Cheers!
• Saddle up. Ready to put away some pasta? I Could Eat a Horse spaghetti measuring tool gauges your noodle needs on a scale of Skinny to Whinny!
• Yule love these. Time for some alternative holiday tunes from Yule Logs and Lascivious Biddies.

Hip News

• Paws for a Cause. This year's biggest superhero is Daniel, the cat with 26 toes. By chipping in a dollar per toe, Milwaukee residents helped to save Daniel's home, an animal rescue center.
• FacePeace. Friend request accepted! Facebook and Greenpeace have agreed to work together promoting renewable energy, after the social media giant agreed to power its data centers with clean energy instead of coal.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

Roll Your Own!Val's latest obsession is paper flowers, rolled from old book pages, magazine pages, even sheet music. They make great gifts, and all that rolling keeps your hands out of the candy box.

Transition Towns

"The Transition Movement is a vibrant, grassroots movement that seeks to build community resilience in the face of such challenges as peak oil, climate change and the economic crisis. It represents one of the most promising ways of engaging people in strengthening their communities against the effects of these challenges, resulting in a life that is more abundant, fulfilling, equitable and socially connected."

• Carolyne Stayton is the Executive Director of Transition US. Her job: Supporting communities in the US to become more resilient and enjoy doing it!
• The movement's founder, Rob Hopkins, was inspired by the film The End of Suburbia.
• There are 12 Ingredients of the transition model. They are not meant to be implemented in numerical order.
• The Transition Network facilitates initiatives all over the world.
• Great resources for starting a transition initiative in your town include the Transition Handbook, the Transition Companion, and the website's Knowledge Hub.

Listener E-mails

Your New Year's Resolution: email your Hipsters! Let us hear from you at hip@greenfeet.com. Save big at Greenfeet's Holiday Sale! Check out our blog!

• Aimee in New York has an idea for those wanting carbonated water without the messy cartridges: try water kefir. It's a healthy soda substitute.
• Alison in North Carolina shares a story about IKEA installing solar panels in the South.
• Druanna in New York would like an update on the benefits and drawbacks of agave, and turns us on to ethically-sourced True Source Honey.
• Kalah in Oregon warns that genetically modified chocolate is in our future. Look for the organic, fair-trade stuff.
• Ann in North Carolina will be living without a stove, oven or kitchen sink for a while. Take a few survival cues from those who have survived a kitchen remodel.
• Ron in New Mexico shared a TWG on our Facebook page: Instead of using stir sticks in your coffee, just add your cream and sugar to the cup first, then swirl. Ask your coffeehouse to use a sugar dispenser instead of packets, too. Thanks Ron!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Kwanzaa or any day!

Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow Val on Twitter: GrnDiva, at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook!

Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes!

More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

More Hip Than Hippie #295 - Waste-Free Wonderland

A zero-waste lifestyle can save you money and make a profit this holiday season.

Most of us generate about 25% more trash during the holidays. What if cutting back on waste could put money in your pocket? Blogger Bea Johnson returns with tips to make it happen. Also, Val adopts a Nerf gun and Dori is #winning the Christmas card competition (yes, there is one!).

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: We enjoyed our last beer from Highwater Brewing so much, we decided to go back for more. Good call! Their Pom Cherry Bomb Specialty Ale was a summer release that transcends seasons. The delightful sweet cherry/tart pomegranate combo pairs brilliantly with plain chocolate. Dori: 5 hips; Val: 5 hips

Chocolate: Our New Favorite Listener is Kelly in Washington, who sent a whole care package of her local faves! First up: Seattle Chocolates Pike Place Espresso Truffle bar, a seamless blend of flavors inside a creamy dream. Dori: 5 hips Val: 5 hips.

Hip News and Finds

Finds:

• Grow To Go. Our friends in the UK can send this Edible Festive Bouquet of herbs to foodie folks. Why can't we find this in the US?
• Easy Rider. Daimler is driving into the carshare pool with Car2Go, an all-electric service focusing on convenience. Now in Amsterdam and San Diego, it's going big next year.
• Live and Let Fry. Sir Paul McCartney has released The Meat-Free Monday Cookbook in support of his vegetarian campaign.

Hip News

• Shopping list. The Daily Green gives you permission to pass up the organics aisle when you purchase their Clean 15 foods, which are low in pesticide residue. Save your money for organic versions of the Dirty Dozen.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

From Zero Waste Bea: Use your sink strainer! Keeping bits of food waste out of the garbage disposal saves water and electricity. Empty the contents of the strainer into your kitchen compost bin or feed it to the critters.

Waste-Free Wonderland

Did you know that cutting back on household waste can not only save money, but also make a profit? Our amie Bea Johnson explains. Feel free to gaze at her hunky husband.

• Bea and her family hit the big-time in Sunset magazine!
• On Bea's blog, The Zero Waste Home, she lays out a plan for making it though the holidays waste-free, and making a little cash.
• She is a big fan of using furoshiki and reusable bags instead of gift wrap.
• By using a gift registry, we can make sure our gifts are truly appreciated.
• She makes Elf Yourself videos to share with family and friends.
• Bea uses principles of collaborative consumption, as outlined in the book What's Mine is Yours.
• Her family uses BRB Vacation Rentals to fill their house when they're away.
• Some food for thought from Bea: her posts on Decluttering and Heirloom Guilt.
• She left us hungry for Welsh rarebit and thirsty for Morpho!

Listener E-mails

Hurry! You could win a $100 Greenfeet gift card! As always, you can let us know about your questions, stories or green triumphs at hip@greenfeet.com. Want to be a Greenfeet Ambassador? Reach out and touch Val@greenfeet.com! Check out our blog!

• Kelly in Washington (our Favorite Listener!) loves her insulated Klean Kanteen with the cafe cap. She also recommends Moving Boxes Made Green or a similar service to cut back on waste when you relocate. Hey Kelly, we found Gary Gnu on Facebook! 
• Sophie in England shares the brilliant beer delivery horses used by Wadworth brewery. Eat your heart out, Budweiser!
• Karen in South Carolina wants to make sparkling water at home, but doesn't want to deal with replacement cartridges. Does anyone know of a hand-cranked carbonator?

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Christmas, Hanukkah or any day!

Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow Val on Twitter: GrnDiva, at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook!

Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes!

More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

More Hip Than Hippie #294 - Hipstah Mitzvah

Linda Cohen is the author of 1,000 Mitzvahs: How Small Acts of Kindness Can Heal, Inspire and Change Your Life.

It's the season of Thanksgiving here in the US, so the Hipsters turn to longtime listener Linda Cohen for a lesson in the power of kindness. Find out how a painful loss turned into guide to gratitude. Also, Val gets stuffed on her birthday and a holiday tribute reappears!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Hall of Fame! Highwater Brewing is one of the Bay Area's newest breweries, but they know their stuff. No Boundaries IPA has a fresh hops aroma, no bitterness...and a delicious secondary flavor they won't identify. A big-ass bottle of hoppiness! Dori: 6 hips; Val: 6 hips

Chocolate: You can always count on Equal Exchange to produce a decent organic, fair-trade treat. Chocolate Caramel Crunch with Sea Salt is a new offering that's finely flavored, but lacking that smooth mouth-feel we crave. Dori: 4 hips Val: 4 hips.

Hip News and Finds

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Need a truly functional conversation piece for the kitchen? Try the All Forked Up Salt & Pepper Shaker. Made in the USA, these cleverly crafted spoons will 'shake up' any meal!
• Potty mouth. We missed World Toilet Day on November 19th, but Matt Damon didn't. And this isn't the first time we've heard him talk dirty.
• Me talk dirty one day. Author David Sedaris left his mark on Chico too!

Hip News

• Pachydorable. When Chhouk the elephant was found mangled in a poacher's trap, experts fashioned a jumbo false foot. Awwww!
• Wonderful world. The votes are in, and the New 7 Wonders of Nature have been revealed. (Val & Dori came in 8th.)

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

Attitude of Gratitude! At Thanksgiving or anytime, let the good feelings flow by hosting a Gratitude Party. Provide slips of paper so guests can write a complimentary note to each other, then put them in individual containers to take home. Gratitude is really the gift that keeps on giving!

Hipstah Mitzvah

It's the season of Thanksgiving here in the US, so the Hipsters turn to longtime listener/new author Linda Cohen for a lesson in the power of kindness. Remember, gestures don't have to be grand, time-consuming or expensive to transform a life!

• What the heck is a mitzvah?
• Jews are commanded to observe 613 mitzvot. Linda provides another 1,000 for good measure!
• Visit her blog and buy her book, 1,000 Mitzvahs.
• If she's inspired you to do good works, get started with VolunteerMatch.
• Linda is also a devoted fan of ChicoBags!

Listener E-mails

We're grateful for our listeners! Let us hear from you at hip@greenfeet.com. Want to be a Greenfeet Ambassador? Reach out and touch Val@greenfeet.com! Check out our blog!

1. Michele in Arizona loves her Fagor Duo pressure cooker/canner, but has a caveat for those ready to pursue pressure canning. Listener Karen tried microwave canning. Can you use a grill?
2. Kevin in Texas found a cool method to spray oils and sauces. And yes, we have the perfect BPA-free bottle!
3. Donna in England shares videos of the Pacific Garbage Patch, and a chap who exemplifies Low Waste Living.
4. Tom in England assures us that a pumpkin is a fruit, not a veggie. (heh heh...you said ovary!)

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Thanksgiving or any day!

Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow Val on Twitter: GrnDiva, at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook!

Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes!

More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.